Plate Processing & Procurement Manager

Austin Engineering - STREAMLINE•Mills, WY

15d•$100,000 - $145,000

About The Position

The Plate Processing & Procurement Manager leads Austin Casper's plate processing, procurement, inventory management, and supply chain functions. The role develops and executes strategic and operational plans to support efficient sourcing, inventory control, production, and logistics. It oversees Production Control, Purchasing, Shipping & Receiving, and Plate Procurement teams, while ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and company objectives for cost, delivery, safety, and operational excellence. The manager develops sourcing and supply chain strategies, leads daily operations, supports outsourced operations, evaluates market and supplier conditions, and drives continuous improvement. The role establishes and maintains supplier relationships, procurement policies, purchasing processes, and contract administration. It also manages inventory and replenishment, material handling and control systems, material acceptance criteria, and collaboration with mills, metallurgists, and testing laboratories. Working across Engineering, Operations, and Quality, the manager supports improvements to manufacturing processes, material specifications, manufacturability, and customer lead times, including material readiness for new products and designs. The position leads and develops department personnel and ensures company assets are maintained and operated in accordance with safety standards and company policies. The position regularly involves desk and computer work. It frequently requires lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. The work environment may occasionally involve moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, electrical-shock risk, vibration in the Fabrication Shop, and outdoor weather during inventory activities.

Requirements

Leadership and team development experience.
Procurement and inventory management experience.
Proficiency with ERP systems.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Knowledge of material specifications and engineering standards.
Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in procurement, supply chain, inventory management, manufacturing operations, or a related field.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Computer skills, including spreadsheet, word processing, and ERP systems.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Experience in purchasing, inventory management, and QA management in heavy industry, resources, mining, and/or steel fabrication.
Strong metallurgical knowledge of plate steels.
Understanding of material specifications and compliance with engineering standards.
Experience with supply chain and purchasing systems, QA systems, and supplier relationship management.
Experience developing and supervising teams.
Ability to regularly sit at a desk and perform computer work.
Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
Metallurgical knowledge of plate steels.
Welding consumables procurement experience.
QA system experience.
Background in mining, steel fabrication, or heavy manufacturing.
Experience within heavy manufacturing, mining, steel fabrication, or industrial environments.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute sourcing, procurement, inventory, and supply chain strategies that support business objectives, operational continuity, and cost-effective production.
Lead daily operations for Production Control, Purchasing, Plate Procurement, Logistics, Shipping & Receiving, and related supply chain functions.
Support outsourced operations and develop supply chain solutions to enhance efficiency, scalability, and customer delivery performance.
Analyze market trends, material availability, and supplier performance to manage risks, costs, and supply continuity.
Drive continuous improvement through process optimization, technology adoption, and industry best practices.
Develop, negotiate, and maintain strategic supplier relationships focused on pricing, quality, service, and delivery performance.
Establish and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and controls in compliance with company values, delegated authority requirements, and applicable standards.
Oversee vendor evaluation, contract administration, supplier agreements, and purchasing processes.
Ensure suppliers of critical materials and components meet Austin specifications, quality standards, and business requirements.
Manage inventory strategies, stock levels, and replenishment processes to balance operational needs, budget objectives, and inventory exposure.
Maintain material handling and inventory control systems, including FIFO practices, surplus material disposition, and consignment inventory management.
Collaborate with Quality Assurance to establish material acceptance criteria and maintain compliance with engineering and operational requirements.
Work with steel mills, metallurgists, and third-party testing laboratories to evaluate materials, support product improvements, and validate new products and consumables.
Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams to improve manufacturing processes, material specifications, manufacturability, and customer lead-time performance.
Ensure timely availability and compliance of required materials for new products and designs.
Lead, develop, and coach department personnel through performance management, training, succession planning, and regular feedback.
Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture focused on accountability, teamwork, safety, and operational excellence.
Ensure company assets are maintained and operated in accordance with applicable safety standards and company policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.